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Innovative restaurant brands and executives shaping the fast casual segment
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Executive
EXECUTIVE Summary
REPORT
Although 2020 isn’t quite half over, it’s already been a trying year
thanks to the outbreak of COVID-19. As I watch the fast casual
industry rebuild from the upheaval, however, I know two things
about its workers and leaders:
1. They take care of one another.
2. Their innovation, creativity and ingenuity never stop even
while facing a pandemic.
Tom Harper The crisis has been especially hard on restaurants, which
CEO normally employ millions of global workers. Instead of closing up
tomh@networldmediagroup.com shop, however, so many fast casual brands have not only found
Cherry Cansler
ways to stay in business by pivoting to online ordering, curbside VP of Editorial,
Kathy Doyle pick up and delivery, but are also using precious resources to Networld Media Group
President & Publisher
kathyd@networldmediagroup.com help those in need. From collecting customer donations and
creating unique social media campaigns to raise money for out-
Cherryh Cansler of-work restaurant employees to giving thousands of dollars worth of food to frontline workers
VP of Editorial and cutting delivery fees, the giving spirit of this industry is contagious.
cherryhc@networldmediagroup.com
John Vinson And that’s exactly what the world needs in times like these. The world could use some positive
Director of Content Marketing news as well, which is why we are pleased to introduce this year’s class of Fast Casual Top
johnv@networldmediagroup.com 100 Movers & Shakers.
ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: As in years past, we recognize 75 brands and 25 leaders, who aren’t afraid to take risks in
order to grow their businesses as well as to propel the fast casual industry. Our winners have
many things in common. They show innovation on and off the menu and are passionate about
expanding their brands while also doing a little good along the way.
The unique needs of fast casual and Although they share those attributes, they are each “one of a kind,” which is how they landed
QSR concepts require technology on the list.
that is fast, reliable, and flexible.
Oracle Hospitality provides a one
stop shop for hardware, software, Congratulations to our 2020 winners.
back office tools, cloud technology,
and open APIs for innovation, Cheers,
that are all integrated to operate Cherryh Cansler
seamlessly, increase customer VP of Editorial
loyalty, and elevate profitability.
Networld Media Group
The 2020 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers &
Shakers. ©2020 Networld Media Group
LLC.13100 East Point Park Blvd., Louisville,
KY 40223. (502) 241-7545. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced without the express written
approval of the publisher. Viewpoints of the
columnists and editors are their own and do
not necessarily represent the viewpoints of
the publisher.
3
TOP 75 BRANDS
#1 SWEETGREEN
Sweetgreen, a salad-centric fast casual founded in 2007 known for
its locally-sourced ingredients, is this year’s top brand for a variety of
reasons. Innovation when it comes to expanding its reach, not being
afraid to test new strategies and leading the industry in employee
management are just a few.
Although it opened 11 units last year, the 100-unit chain’s real growth
stems from the success of “Outpost,” a lunch-pickup program
available now in nearly 1,000 locations across nine cities. The chain
delivers Sweetgreen cuisine at set times to specific areas in which
customers have requested via on an online request form system.
Common locations are office buildings, apartment complexes and
fitness centers, so employers and landlords often host the service for
workers and residents.
So far, Outpost has more than 100,000 users and should reach about
3,000 more locations this year.
One-on-one delivery is also important to the chain, which is why last
year it raised $150 million dollars to develop an app-based delivery
program and also acquired Galley Foods, a Washington, D.C.-
based meal service delivering ready-to-eat fresh meals. The move
allowed Sweetgreen to leverage Galley Foods’ knowledge of logistics
technology, live courier operations and high-volume production.
Sweetgreen leadership understands that all of these accomplishments
would not be possible or sustainable if the chain didn’t have reliable employees to keep everything operating smoothly. And the
chain does its best to show its appreciation. It recently gave all employees five months of paid parental leave, for example, and offers
competitive pay and equity opportunities for head coaches.
“We believe it is our responsibility to lead the way given the U.S. is one of the few countries that does not mandate any paid leave for
new parents,” according to Founders Nicolas Jammet, Nathaniel Ru and Jonathan Neman.
4
TOP 75 BRANDS
#2 &PIZZA
While the pizza industry is dominated by lower-priced chains, &pizza has found its niche
by offering pizza under a socially conscious umbrella. Founder Michael Lastoria calls his
39-unit brand “an anti-establishment establishment built on the renown of its creative pies
and craft beverages, slick design aesthetic, and the strength, unity and vibe of its living-
wage-paid, ampersand-tattooed tribe.”
In 2019, the company debuted several initiatives to drive business, including the launch of its mobile kitchen business — &mobile —
which leverages the company’s ventless, electric cooking platform to produce and distribute pies from mobile kitchens.
Tapping into the marketing and analytics capabilities of third-party marketplace partners allowed the brand to not only deliver
improved pie quality and shorter delivery times, but also helped it avoid the pitfalls of other non-traditional restaurant formats.
Understanding the value of the direct relationship with both customers and tribe, &pizza is developing a proprietary, digital-operating
ecosystem branded &OS, which includes a mobile application, mobile web browsing and ordering, kitchen display systems and
associated demand prediction and throttling. It’s built upon the company’s text messaging platform, which leverages robust digital
capabilities to drive tribe and guest engagement, brand relevance, and ties flash sales and other promotional events to real-time,
culturally relevant events.
The same text line and associated CRM also serves as a tribe-facing repository for training initiatives, real-time communications, and
a sourcing mechanism for tribe-led innovations, like its recent partnership with Lyft. The dedicated flat fare rideshare program — Lyft
for Late Nights program — provide &pizza employees who travel between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. with $4.50 rides.
#3 DOG HAUS
Dog Haus wrapped up 2019 with 9.1% in same-store sales growth, which can be attributed to several
initiatives, including improved training; stronger connections with consumers and communities through
national and local philanthropic initiatives; and continued menu innovations highlighted by the recent
debut of plant-based offerings.
Menu innovation has long been a staple of the Dog Haus brand, as evidenced by its Chef Collaboration
Series and Mixologist Collaboration, both of which feature limited-time items rolled out on a monthly
basis to benefit its national charity partner, No Kid Hungry.
Throughout 2019, Dog Haus positioned itself for rapid growth by selling franchise
territories in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming. In
conjunction with the brand’s 10th anniversary, more than 20 franchise locations in
15 markets across seven states are projected for the new year.
Plus, Dog Haus’ virtual restaurant strategy is securing the brand’s place at
the forefront of today’s customer service model. In September, it opened its
first virtual restaurant location with Kitchen United in Chicago’s River North
neighborhood and will add 10 more by year’s end.
Additionally, the brand unveiled a partnership with Live Nation which brought Dog
Haus to a dozen concert venues across the U.S., from San Diego to Boston. In
2020, the Live Nation partnership is expected to expand to additional venues, doubling Dog Haus’ presence.
5
TOP 75 BRANDS
#4 CHIPOTLE
Always a leader when it comes to menu innovation and technology, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. launched
a rewards program last year that quickly grew to 7 million members in seven months, which helped digital
sales grow 87.9% and led to an overall revenue increase of 14.6% to $1.4 billion in Q3. In fact, the brand’s
innovation in the digital space contributed to it becoming a $1-billion-dollar digital business.
The chain also introduced new menu items like Carne Asada, finished the installation of Digital Make
Lines, and launched best-in-class benefits for its 80,000 employees including the option to earn a debt-
free college degree.
Other initiatives include growing its “Food with Integrity” programs and sustainability efforts including
the pilot of Chipotle’s gloves to bag program, a closed-loop upcycling solution to the industry’s disposable plastic problem and an
initiative dedicated to preserving the future of real food and farms in partnership with the National Young Farmers Coalition.
Going forward, the chain is focused on continuing to execute five key strategies:
1. Making the brand more visible and loved.
2. Running successful restaurants with a strong culture that provides great food, hospitality and throughput.
3. Leveraging our digital-make line to grow sales and expand access.
4. Engaging with customers via Chipotle Rewards.
#5 POKÉWORKS
After realizing that consumers wanted more transparency, Pokeworks made efforts last year
to revamp the entire menu. From vegan options to cooked proteins, the 50-unit chain crafted
products catering to a health-focused clientele that still have the Hawaiian flavors in which the
brand is known.
In partnership with Bravo’s Top Chef alumnus, Chef Sheldon Simeon, Pokeworks rolled out two
limited-time spice-centric, flavor-packed bowls — the Spicy Sichuan Bowl and the Lava Bowl. It
also unveiled a warm, torched poke that is served with a broth, called Poke-Zuke,
which customers often order in the colder months.
Pokeworks has ridden into 2020 on the momentum of opening 20 units last year,
which took its total count of restaurants to 46 with 130 in development. As it
strives to meet its goal of opening 30 units by the end of the year, it’s also aiming
to extend its lead with health-conscious offerings while delivering on its four brand
values: authenticity, positivity, sustainability and innovation.
Founded in 2015, Pokeworks is seeking single-unit and multi-unit franchise
partners to join its team of entrepreneurs. The average investment for a Pokeworks
is $250,000 to $850,000.
6
TOP 75 BRANDS
#6 WOW BAO
With a well-known reputation of innovation in technology, 2019 showcased Wow Bao’s menu innovation
with the introduction of Gluten-Free Bao, Impossible Bao and Bowl and Zoodles.
The Chicago-based chain, however, is just as innovative when it comes to expanding its reach in out-of-
the box ways. It has several licensed and pop-ups locations inside grocery stores as well as TD Garden in
Boston, music festivals and the Hyatt hotel.
Its frozen CPG line is available in all Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s in the Chicagoland area, giving fans the
ability to enjoy bao and potstickers at home whenever the craving strikes.
All of this could not be accomplished, however, without the efforts the chain made this year to streamline operations and training for
existing locations, as well as reducing labor costs and COGs, providing a benchmark of efficiency for future franchisees.
Lastly, in a move that is truly unique, the chain has made some of its menu items
available to any restaurant interested in offering it to customers via carry out or
delivery.
“We believe that every kitchen can be a third-party kitchen for Wow Bao,” President
Geoff Alexander said during an interview with FastCasual.
This year, Wow Bao is planning three to five airport locations as well as adding a
location in Union Station, Washington D.C., and satellite sites throughout Chicago.
#7 THE HALAL GUYS
The Halal Guys is opening its 100th location this year, which is no small feat for a brand founded by
three Egyptian immigrants as a hot dog cart on 53rd & 6th in Manhattan. The chain, which has over
300 units in development and plans to open up to 70 by year’s end, has stores already in exotic locales
such as Jakarta and Seoul as well as the US, Canada and London.
Understanding that the only way to grow is to have its operations zipped up, Halal has brought on
numerous tech vendors. It uses Punchh for its loyalty and app, Aloha and Revel for POS, Tattle for
guest feedback, Field Day for LSM outreach and recently implemented Design Huddle and Shotzr to
share high-quality photos and design elements across the organization without using sharing sites such
as wetransfer.
It’s also connecting Design Huddle with its print provider Dot It through an API that
will allow one-click ordering of custom posters and merchandise for franchisees.
The chain’s latest project, however, was hitting grocery shelves through a
partnership with CAA-GBG, a brand management platform helping Halal extend its
reach through licensing and product extension initiatives focused on the specialty
food and grocery space.
7
TOP 75 BRANDS
#8 PANERA BREAD
Panera Bread, which was one of the first mainstream fast casuals to throw itself into the
digital world and has served as an industry role model in eliminating chemicals from its foods,
is at it again. After realizing how popular subscription services have become, the coffee giant
rolled out its own offering unlimited hot drip coffee, iced coffee and hot tea for $8.99 per
month.
“Coffee is an important daily ritual for so many — it can give you a dose of optimism — it
lifts you up,” Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary said. “We kept asking ourselves, why can’t
it be more accessible, more affordable? Moreover, could unlimited coffee translate to
unlimited optimism?”
The goal, said Chaudhary, who stepped into lead the brand last year, was to eliminate the
price barrier and the false choices between convenience and quality — between good
coffee and craveable food.
Last year, the chain also went all in on delivery, rolling it out nationwide through DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. In addition to
being able to order from Panera’s own app and web site, consumers may use all three apps to order Panera.
“These partnerships capitalize on the delivery base we built over the last few years and use an economic model that works for us,”
said Dan Wegiel, Panera executive vice president of growth and strategy. “More consumers than ever will be able to access Panera
with the service-level expectations to which they have grown accustomed — we love that.”
Delivery via the Panera app and ecommerce platforms remains in place and will continue to be a strongpoint of access, for both new
and existing Panera customers. Year to date, Panera’s platforms have driven more than 28 million delivery orders, resulting in delivery
becoming 7% of Panera’s overall sales.
#9 BURGERFI
BurgerFi has been on a mission to “redefine the way the world eats burgers,” and it appears that the
U.S. Air Force has noticed. The 125-unit chain, last year, was selected by Air Force Services as the only
better-burger concept to be a part of a global initiative to enhance food quality, variety and availability on
Air Force bases.
Since its inception, BurgerFi has offered 100% Angus beef burgers and was recently named “Best Burger
Joint” by Consumer Reports and fellow public interest organizations for its commitment to antibiotic-free
beef — one of only two burger chains in the U.S.
In addition to expanding its domestic and international presence through the Air Force, BurgerFi
is also opening more franchise locations around the globe. BurgerFi opened its third Mexico City
location in September 2019 and is exploring other development opportunities in the country. Its
international footprint grew considerably in 2019 with new locations and agreements signed for
Kuwait and Puerto Rico.
Additional international development in South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East is also
being pursued in 2020.
8
TOP 75 BRANDS
#10 BONCHON CHICKEN
Bonchon, based in New York City, recently reached 100 stores in the U.S with
20% growth and a 6% increase in same store sales growth.
The original Korean-style fried chicken concept opened in 2002 in Busan, South
Korea, and has grown to several hundred locations worldwide, including Thailand,
Bahrain, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. The brand’s U.S.
arm opened in 2006, and Americans have quickly fallen for its technique of
double-frying and hand-brushing wings, giving them a signature taste that is different from any other chicken chain.
Representing the cultural shift towards Asian and international cuisine in the fast casual industry, the chain has a loyal brand following
across 22 states.
Bonchon, which plans to add 22 units in the U.S. by the end of 2020, recently launched online ordering and mobile app and rely on a
variety of digital initiatives, including digital advertising, social media, and third-party delivery integration into its digital POS.
#11 I HEART MAC & CHEESE
The past year has been filled with a variety of milestones for I Heart Mac & Cheese,
a 12-unit chain headquartered in South Florida. It launched a vegan menu, rolled out
new catering options and added Mac Bites, which are baked, bite-sized easy-to-eat
treats, to the menu.
It also partnered with Beyond Meat, to provide Americans interested in maintaining a
healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle, better access to those options.
Off the menu upgrades included introducing its first-ever mobile app that allows
guests to order online, earn and redeem loyalty points and permits them to pay via
mobile device on Android and Apple Pay. The chain also kicked off a seamless online
ordering system and rolled out a College Ambassador Program.
Since last year, the number of open locations is up 100%, and the chain has entered
several states including Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and
Texas. It recently signed its first franchise for Manhattan, marking its arrival in the Big
Apple.
With a goal of selling 150 agreements by the end of the year, I Heart Mac & Cheese has
come a long way from its first opening in 2016, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
9
TOP 75 BRANDS
#12 BLAZE PIZZA
The past year has been transformative for Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza as the 350-
unit chain launched various programs and products to set the stage for further
growth in 2020.
In Q2 last year, Blaze Pizza introduced a plant-based protein option, with its
spicy chorizo. In the summer, it became the first national pizza concept to offer
a Keto Crust, with just 6 grams of net carbs for the whole crust, and in the fall,
the brand entered into the digital commerce game, building a full-on delivery and
carryout ecosystem.
That meant developing an entirely new product portfolio of large 14-inch pizzas
and building strong partnerships with third-party delivery providers. Finally, it
introduced a frictionless website, providing guests with a more convenient and
seamless ordering experience than ever before.
This new leg of the business was introduced in fall 2019 with the “Upgrade The
Way You Pizza” campaign, featuring its investor LeBron James and included the first entree to streaming television advertising. This
initiative captured share from the legacy pizza players and increased online sales to an enviable 17%.
Blaze only knows one speed — fast. As such, it has exploded into 41 states and grew its global footprint across six countries,
including high profile locations like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk and STAPLES Center. Now with a significant presence in
Canada, poised to open the 10th location in the Middle East and enviable unit count growth, Blaze is not slowing down its rapid
expansion. It will continue to build its cult following through the development of craveable products, guest-centric operations, brand-
building initiatives and innovation in the digital commerce space.
#13 TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
In 2019, Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened more cafes and sold more franchise
agreements than any other year in its company history. It also opened its milestone
750th and 800th locations, and in total, opened 124 cafes and signed 213 franchise
agreements in 2019.
In addition, the brand experienced same-store sales increases of 5.7% — twice the industry average — marking eight consecutive years
of positive SSS growth.
Alongside its rapid growth, TSC featured better-for-you menu items to enhance the guest experience and stay ahead of industry trends
with a variety of flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches, bowls and breakfast.
The brand, which operates more than 830 locations across 44 states, specifically designs menu innovations for target audiences with
special limited-time offerings, including the popular “mocktail-inspired” smoothie offerings like Watermelon Mojito. In 2020, TSC will
launch limited-time-only smoothie flavors, allowing the brand to set itself apart from the competition and push the limits of its space with
healthier nods incorporating unique twists and tastes.
Boasting an average unit volume of more than $730,000 — the highest in the company’s 22-year-history — with the top 50% reporting an
AUV of more than $938,000, the brand is looking to achieve an AUV of $1 million with a total of 1,500 restaurants in the next five years.
10TOP 75 BRANDS
#14 GARBANZO
MEDITERRANEAN FRESH
The fast casual market is filled with an endless number of flavors, fusions,
and cultural inspiration to fit the taste of any consumer, but Garbanzo
Mediterranean Fresh understands that flavor alone is not where the puck is
going.
Striving to deliver a perfect balance of delicious and nutritious food, the
Denver-based chain has extended its “clean” food policy to its beverage line-up. Now serving TRACTOR beverage company’s non-
GMO, organic “softer-drinks,” the brand has removed any and all artificial ingredients from any product it serves — even its fountain
soda.
Garbanzo, which has more than 30 locations, follows a mantra of “feel good food,” making sure that every recipe features a special,
yet accessible, eating experience at a great value. It is committed to shaking people out of their “food apathy” and supporting them in
feeling good (brighter) more often.
It’s also bucking tradition by opening in locations like universities and airports, which create a greater brand awareness by offering the
perfect balance of transient guests and local guests. Brick-and-mortar locations are obviously still a large part of Garbanzo’s plans,
but the company is looking outside the box in order to continue expansion.
Its growth plan is to make fresh Mediterranean food a staple across the U.S. starting with multiple restaurants opening in three
markets in 2020. Garbanzo also has 28 units in the pipeline (St. Louis, Boston and Indianapolis). Plus, it hopes to ink more than 20
three-to-five unit deals by year’s end.
#15 MUTTS CANINE CANTINA
Mutts Canine Cantina is a Dallas-based restaurant concept that doubles as an urban
oasis for dogs and their owners. Both locations feature a bar and restaurant that serve
burgers, fries, sandwiches and a variety of cocktails. Guests with memberships, which
can be purchased by the day, month or year, are given a code to skip the line and unlock
entrance gates with the wave of a hand.
The main dining area is filled with bright yellow picnic tables that encourage communal
dining. The gated small and large dog parks feature grouped Adirondack lounge chairs,
so dog owners can relax and socialize among themselves while their canines burn off
energy.
The brand’s innovative model benefits communities in that it can exist in odd-shaped or
undevelopable tracts within popular urban areas, making each location original.
Additionally, the concept, owned by FreeRange Concepts, founded by Kyle Noonan and
Josh Sepkowitz, inspires community and promotes outdoor living.
Mutts has received over 100 inquiries from potential franchisees and has its sights set on bringing the concept first to the rest of the
Sunbelt states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California.
11TOP 75 BRANDS
16. TERIYAKI A starting point was allowing 18. SAJJ
MADNESS employees and franchisees to make MEDITERRANEAN
each store unique to its neighborhood,
Teriyaki Madness opened 24 locations surroundings or even identity of the
in 2019, putting it at the 64-unit mark. owner.
The fresh Asian fast casual grill’s 2020
growth plan is to add 40-50 units by
expanding into new states and university
campuses. Teriyaki saw 2.2% increase
17. CAPRIOTTI’S
in same-store sales in 2019 and over the It’s unusual to find a brand with a
past three years sales have risen 171%. 40+ year heritage that breaks out in
an already crowded segment of the Mediterranean cuisine is exploding
Teriyaki Madness, based in Denver, is a across the fast casual industry, and
restaurant industry. Capriotti’s is one
fully digital company with each location SAJJ Mediterranean is hoping to lead a
of those brands, however, adding
using the Revel POS iPad-based system new generation with its healthy, locally
more than 100 shops and 24 franchise
that integrates into its other systems. sourced offerings and customizable
partners in 28 new markets to its
The chain is also enhancing technology menu that is friendly to most dietary
development trajectory.
for the consumer as well. The corporate preferences.
team, for example, launched an online The Las Vegas-based brand experienced
ordering mobile app with Olo and positive same-store sales and increased Transparency is a key component to the
Punchh that includes a loyalty program average unit volumes in 2019, and its SAJJ experience, which is why each of
allowing consumers to earn points to get 2020 franchise disclosure documents its locations display a map of the region
free food. will post growth in its currently disclosed and connects menu ingredients to the
average unit volume of $738,000 and an farms where they were grown.
It was a smart move. Last year, loyalty
AUV of $1.1 million for the top 25% of
members spent 19% more than non- While staying true to Mediterranean
the brand.
loyalty members, and the program has cuisine, SAJJ also works to stay on
increased ticket count and average “We continue to experience significant top of trends and adapt offerings to
ticket size. growth in our off-premise revenues meet consumers’ demands. The brand
related to our success in building both has launched a variety of modern and
CEO Michael Haith is on a mission to Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as
our catering business and delivery
“put the soul back into franchising.” Chocolate Hummus & Cinnamon Chips,
aggregator revenues, which were well
He believes the era of cookie-cutter the plant-based Impossible Kabob,
into double digits as a percent of sales,”
stores, uniforms, etc. has depleted freekeh grain bowls, green garbanzo
CDO David Bloom told FastCasual.
employee motivation, leading to a lack hummus and falafel and Lifestyle Bowls
of personality and character within U.S. The department of defense approved the geared toward keto and paleo diets.
food franchises. chain last year to provide food service
into arenas as diverse as the Pentagon Within 2019 alone, SAJJ strengthened
and numerous other federal government its foothold in Northern California with
facilities, military bases and highly the opening of four restaurants, two
secure locations across the country. of which opened within weeks of one
another. Due to these openings, SAJJ
Over the next year, Capriotti’s will experienced a 50% growth rate and
add several add units throughout the went from eight stores at the end of
U.S. and is looking into international 2018 to 12 stores and counting by the
expansion. end of 2019.
12TOP 75 BRANDS
18. SAJJ MEDITERRANEAN
As part of its expansion, SAJJ debuted B. GOOD, which has nearly 30 units, Building on the late 2018 release of
a “SAJJ 2.0” store design highlighting overhauled the menu board structure their second cookbook, Bean Sprouts
its dedication to local, farm-sourced and also published a first-ever Kitchen, Co-founders Shannon
ingredients and food transparency. Animal Welfare Policy, articulating its “Peacasso” Seip and Kelly “Pea Brain”
Elements include live olive trees in- commitment to serving ingredients and Parthen’s kicked off 2019 with numerous
house, earthy and neutral-toned decor, products that are not only good for our media appearances. From live segments
communal dining areas, large windows guests, but also the planet. on NBC Los Angeles and local ABC and
for natural light and larger “We Love Our CBS affiliates in Cincinnati, to features
Local Farms” wall decals that detail the Off the menu, the chain introduced a in LA Parent and National Geographic
regional farms where menu ingredients mobile app and points-based loyalty Kids, Bean Sprouts Kitchen served as
are sourced. program and added delivery. It also a centerpiece for driving new revenue
expanded relationships with third-party for the chain as well as the platform for
SAJJ’s goal is to reach 20 restaurants by delivery and office delivery aggregators, forging new partnerships and increased
the end of 2020. opened its first ghost kitchen in national brand recognition.
downtown Chicago and implemented
DropSpots, shelving units within Bean Sprouts, which first opened in
corporate offices that enable workplace 2007, in Wisconsin, now has 18 units,
19. B. GOOD delivery. opening locations last year inside
Innovation was prominent in 2019 at B. the Kidspace Children’s Museum in
Lastly, B. GOOD prioritized non- Pasadena and the Jewish Community
GOOD — not only on the menu with the
traditional venues like airports, opening Center of San Francisco. It also
types of items its offering guests, but
its first in Logan Airport with another one executed contracts with Marble Kid’s
also off the menu with the channels it is
slated for early 2020 Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, and
leveraging to meet guests in ways that
complement, not complicate, their busy McWane Science Center in Birmingham,
lives. Alabama.
20. BEAN SPROUTS In 2020, Bean Sprouts will add six to
On the menu, the Boston-based chain
took a bold stance against faux meat One of the few exclusively female- eight units opening in new markets in
expanding its plant-based offerings by founded chains in the US, Bean Sprouts the Southeast as well as expanding in its
staying true to its mission of serving is a nationally recognized, hip and current markets.
“Food with Roots.” New offerings healthy café that designs its menus with
included three unique twists on plant- kids and families in mind.
based burgers and one blended turkey/ 21. MCALISTER’S DELI
mushroom burger. It also launched a Its Imaginibbles children’s menu is
menu rebrand, broadening options, while featured on a low counter, empowering Thirty years ago, a dentist from Oxford,
simplifying the ordering experience. kids to make their own healthy choices Mississippi, had a vision to turn an
and relieving moms and dads of the guilt abandoned movie-set diner into a small,
of taking their families out to eat. The
menu, which offers a variety of choices
for families with picky eaters, allergies
and other dietary challenges, adheres
to clean ingredient guidelines and
features organic and sustainable foods,
compostable packaging and an eco-
friendly design.
13TOP 75 BRANDS
21. MCALISTER’S DELI
yet charming, neighborhood restaurant growth over the past four years – more
and gathering place. That vision became than quadrupling in size. Last year,
a reality when the first McAlister’s Deli it opened 40 restaurants and signed
opened in 1989 and now spans 450 agreements to open 60 units.
restaurants across 27 states.
Additionally, CSC achieved its
McAlister’s is now reaping the rewards 16th consecutive quarter — fourth
from its 2018 rebrand, which included a consecutive year — of same-store sales
new restaurant prototype, logo, interior growth and a 4.4% comp sales increase
design and more. The refresh translated add 50 to 100 virtual kitchens to the year over year.
to big wins for McAlister’s. In 2019, Saladworks portfolio.
it added 31 restaurants and signed Throughout 2019, the brand
“We’re looking at a lot of different ways implemented several strategies to fuel
129 franchise agreements to develop
to grow, and we’re already off on a good that growth. In November 2019, Eagle
129 locations over the next several
start,” said Roddy, who pointed out the Merchant Partners sold its share of
years. One of the largest development
chain has entered the nontraditional Chicken Salad Chick to Brentwood
agreements included the signing of a
market, serving customers on military Associates, a private equity firm with
development deal with Best Choice
bases, college campus and in airports. a current portfolio consisting of Blaze
Restaurants, an affiliate of Sun Holdings,
a franchise organization founded by Pizza and Veggie Grill.
To that point, Saladworks is trying
mega multi-unit operator Guillermo to “widen the funnel” so guests can Brentwood kicked off its partnership
Perales. As part of the deal, the experience it how, when and where they with Scott Deviney, CEO of CSC, to help
franchisee is spearheading McAlister’s want it. In addition to on premise growth support and drive the brand’s aggressive
Deli growth in Florida, Louisiana and opportunities such as the revitalization development plans to grow to 400
Texas, in addition to developing 47 of the Saladworks guest engagement restaurants by 2025.
restaurants over the next seven years. program and launching new grain
bowls, it also embarked on a variety of Other exciting announcements included
By the end of 2020, the brand aims to
off-premise growth initiatives through Founder Stacy Brown becoming a
have more than 500 restaurants open.
enhanced online-ordering capabilities franchisee in her hometown of Rome,
along with signing deals with three Georgia, and the launch of the chain’s
major third-party delivery services and revamped catering program with
22. SALADWORKS a massive catering partnership with EZ a redesigned menu and innovative
Cater. packaging. Stores that rolled out the
Celebrating its 100th opening earlier program March-December experienced
this year, Saladworks hopes to double In addition, Saladworks is testing a an average same-store catering sales
that number in less than a year, and “store-within-a-store” program by increase of 30% over 2018.
CEO Kelly Roddy isn’t afraid to try a inserting a restaurant within the produce
few innovative things to do it. His latest section of a few major grocery chains.
trial-and-error project is testing virtual
kitchens via a partnership with Kitchen 24. WILDFLOWER
United, where the brand is renting BREAD COMPANY
kitchen space in Chicago, Scottsdale
23. CHICKEN SALAD
and Austin.
CHICK Celebrating its 23rd year of serving the
communities of Arizona, Wildflower
Chicken Salad Chick, which operates prides itself on making a difference for
If the tests prove successful, Roddy,
more than 145 restaurants across 16 its breadheads (employees), guests
who took over as CEO last year, may
states, has experienced record-breaking and the community. The family owned,
14TOP 75 BRANDS
24. WILDFLOWER BREAD COMPANY
privately held business delivers industry Since opening in 2006, Veggie Grill has
leading sales exceeding $2.6 million 100 locations in California, Oregon,
per location by focusing on great food, Washington, Massachusetts, Illinois
outstanding hospitality and making a and New York City. It has a new look,
difference. however, which rolled out late last year
to its stores in Toluca Lake, California,
The company spent 2017 innovating and Harvard Square in Cambridge,
from the inside out. It recently Massachusetts.
rebranded, creating the Wildflower
cities and towns are in the Midwest,
Brand Essence, which includes a focus The farmhouse-inspired design evokes
Southeast and Northeast.
on “Purpose, Values and Safe Spaces.” a sense of warmth and comfort in the
The Chicago-based chain, which started space while keeping a modernized
Community involvement is at the touch. Interior features include a brick
out as a tiny location in a Chicago train
heart of the Wildflower purpose. Since veneer wall with custom artwork,
station, thrives on keeping things simple.
2000, it has supported over 2,000 monarch dining room floor tiles with
It has a flexible footprint requiring as little
local organizations, hosted over 400 tangerine border tile, beadboard
as 250 to 1,200 square feet. In fact, CEO
neighborhood nights in the past decade, paneling, custom millwork banquettes,
Chris Birkinshaw has built his operations
provided over 85,000 breakfasts for booths, hickory-topped tables with
strategy around what he calls a “simple
Loyola Academy students, donated driftwood-stained maple chairs,
infrastructure.”
$4.6 million of leftovers, provided over mosaic hex-patterned counter façades,
1,850,000 meals in support of No Kid “There is a less complex operation due calacatta quartz countertops and iPad
Hungry and donated 10% of all baguette to the menu, operating procedures and ordering tables.
sales to the Children’s Museum of store design,” he said. “We use a single
Phoenix and local libraries. cloud-based system for back-office The 100% plant-based fast casual
management, covering scheduling, restaurant specializes in high-quality
Wildflower is working on programs and proteins offering the Beyond Burger,
inventory, invoice capture, AP, financials,
systems to enhance the experience Gardein Chickin’ — made from non-
etc. The overhead component is a much
through continuous education and GMO soybeans, wheat, peas and
lighter lift than the usual fast casual
innovation. It launched a custom app for ancient grains — house-made falafel and
franchise.”
online ordering as well as recognizing Hodo Tofu. The tofu and tempeh help
repeat customers with loyalty rewards He may be onto something, considering chefs create sautéed, grilled and glazed
and is constructing a state-of-the-art the AUV for his locations is $800,000, food with pleasing textures. Both are
manufacturing facility for making its and the cost of opening a unit ranges made from organic, non-GMO soybeans
breads and desserts. from $138,800 to $357,700. and are naturally gluten-friendly.
Over the next year, it will continue to
open restaurants in its home state and is
exploring a new market launch for 2021. 26. VEGGIE GRILL 27. WAHLBURGERS
Wahlburgers, which allows customers to
choose between fast casual service and
25. ALOHA POKE CO. a full-service experience, is on the move.
Founded by celebrity brothers Mark,
Although Aloha Poke Co. opened just
Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg, the
four years ago, it already has 18 stores
chain now has more than 30 locations
and launched a franchising program in
and recently announced that its largest
2019 to fuel even more growth. Targeted
15TOP 75 BRANDS
27. WAHLBURGERS
Although it starts out vegan, non-vegans
may add animal protein or non-vegan
cheese to their items at their discretion.
That flexibility has also helped it grow its
catering department, but the chain is just
as passionate about social responsibility.
It created the Tocaya Life Foundation,
which partners with environmentally
franchisee, Hy-vee — a Midwest- City when the friends opened its first focused nonprofits to drive awareness of
based grocer — was converting 21 of NYC location on the Upper West Side their efforts while raising money.
its in-store restaurants to Wahlburgers near Columbia University.
locations. In line with the foundation’s 2019 debut,
Since then, the restaurant has opened Tocaya launched “Wave Tank,” which
The chain, last year, launched a mobile in Greenwich Village and Bryant Park, invites three non-profits each quarter
app featuring user-friendly experiences has a delivery-only ghost kitchen in to pitch the company’s executives on
such as online ordering and access to SoHo and is looking to expand its CPG why they should partner. Each winner
extended member benefits through its offerings by updating house-made chili becomes an official partner for the
WahlClub, the brand’s loyalty rewards oils and sauces. upcoming quarter, and the brands work
program. together to create a new menu dish with
Junzi isn’t afraid to take chances if it
a portion of its proceeds going directly
To further engage with customers, means getting its food in front of more
to the charity.
the chain created “Virtual Visitor,” people. It joined WeWork Food Labs
an automated, live experience that as a founding member, for example,
enables the Wahlberg family to remotely launching Junzi Outposts - shelves that
video into restaurants equipped with live within WeWork building amenities. 30. COOLGREENS
the technology to have face-to-face
conversations with guests. Last year, it also introduced a digital Coolgreens celebrated its 10th
dining pass to midtown Manhattan anniversary last year with an
Wahlburgers is also dedicated to giving customers and launched its first web- unprecedented year of growth and
back to its communities. In March, for based proprietary online order delivery ramped up franchise expansion.
example, the Wahlburgers food truck platform. Additionally, the brand streamlined
passed out free food to Beaumont operations and launched Coolgreens
Hospital workers in Detroit amid Market — a smart fridge to expand the
COVID-19 and across all its restaurants, healthy eatery’s signature salads, wraps,
offered free kids meals, free delivery and
29. TOCAYA grain bowls and sandwiches outside
a family 4PACK for $40.
ORGANICA of a traditional restaurant space and
Since opening three years ago, Tocaya further solidified its position as a modern
Organica already spans 17 locations, lifestyle brand.
28. JUNZI KITCHEN and its popularity might stem from
Coolgreens started franchising last year
the menu, which shrinks the gap
and brought in Kathy Davidson as VP
Junzi kitchen, a Chinese build-your-own between healthy and delicious. The Los
of Franchise Development to help the
fast casual, was founded by a group of Angeles-based chain uses high-quality
10-unit chain get to 50 within four years.
friends at Yale University and born out of ingredients to create healthful spins on
Davidson, who helped take Dallas-based
the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking traditional Mexican recipes and items,
Cowboy Chicken from a few corporate
at Yale in 2015. It found its new home, for example.
stores to several franchised locations
however, two years later in New York
16TOP 75 BRANDS
30. COOLGREENS
week per restaurant for any LTO dessert,
but that doubled with the LTO. Plus, the
increase in dessert sales contributed to
an average check increase of more than
5% during the time of the promotion.
Technology upgrades were also
important last year with the brand
across the nation, is off to a great start. elevating all off-premise business and
But Cheba Hut isn’t most brands.
Coolgreens added three restaurants digital technology. Fazoli’s joined forces
in 2019 outside its home-market of with Olo to expand and streamline its Instead it hit the pause button to
Oklahoma City. mobile ordering capabilities, and saw a commit to helping franchisees execute
79.7% increase. their growth plans, Chief Relationship
The healthy eatery has executed
Officer Seth Larsen said. Growth isn’t
franchise deals to continue the growth in Another key to online ordering success
completely stalling, however. The chain
DFW and has construction underway for was mobile app upgrades to create a
known for curing munchies is adding at
two locations Omaha in 2020. frictionless user experience. Just one
least 12 stores this year by sticking to
month following the launch, loyalty sales
The debut of its mobile last year helped its game plan, which Larsen describes
increased 42%. With nearly 600,000
increase online sales 200%, and the as “smart, sustained growth while
rewards members, almost 10% of all
brand added Combi and TurboChef maintaining our killer AUVs.”
transactions are from loyalty guests.
ovens to its kitchens and a new
“We have broken the mold of mundane
employee training and onboarding
fast-casual concepts and set ourselves
program to streamline the process for
apart by becoming the first marijuana-
new associates.
themed ‘joint’,” said VP of Marketing
Brian Loeb, and the pun was most
definitely intended. While the brand
31. FAZOLI’S doesn’t plan to serve food made with
cannabis, its marketing collateral
Fazoli’s ended the decade by launching features pot leaves and relies on several
an aggressive franchise development weed-centric slogans. Its catering
strategy at the beginning of 2019 and tagline, for example, is “If you’re
completed the year with five area 32. CHEBA HUT high, we’ll fly,” and according to its
development agreements for a total of TOASTED SUBS website, “Our foodies flip the bird to
24 locations now in the pipeline. the establishment with our homegrown
Seeing double digit same-store sales
every year for the last five, Cheba Hut food, our relaxed environment and our
It also entered a new sector by debuting
Toasted Subs, a 22-year-old sub shop amazing employees; who actually enjoy
Impossible meat sauce as a test at
based in Colorado, prides itself on rollin’ in our joint.”
five restaurants in its hometown of
Lexington, Kentucky, which inspired the zigging when everyone else is zagging.
By year’s end, the 29-unit chain is also
launch of system-wide LTO in the spring. launching a new app and a video game
Most brands, for example, lucky enough
to tap 17 new franchisee groups while in 2020.
Also on the innovative menu front,
Fazoli’s debuted Cinnamon Swirl also reporting system-wide sales up over
Breadstick Bites, which was a huge hit. 40% from 2018 to 2019, might want to
The chain typically sells 33 units per keep up the pace.
17TOP 75 BRANDS
33. NEWK’S EATERY 34. ZOUP
During 2019, Detroit-based Zoup
continued its evolution from Zoup
Fresh Soup Company to Zoup Eatery.
It recently opened the doors to the
first prototype in Bloomfield Township,
Michigan, and plans to add eight stores
by the end of year. generation New York City pizzaiolos.
Versatility and innovation have been Last year, Zoup enhanced its menu, Artichoke’s signature slices and whole
key drivers of Newk’s Eatery growth adding Grain & Broth Bowls, organic pies feature a variety of toppings that
over this past year. It celebrated its craft beverages and macaroni & cheese range from the unique — artichoke
15th anniversary in September with the entrees, as well as became a tech- cream sauce and Surimi crab meat — to
launch of Project Strive, a prototype heavy brand. It implemented a new more traditional favorites like pepperoni,
connecting Newk’s brand story with the online ordering system via OLO, as well meatball and ricotta.
guest experience through an upgraded as a mobile app, third-party delivery
integrations, Digital POP with animation Its pies, which are never made in a
restaurant environment, paired with a
and video and a loyalty program. conveyor belt oven, but instead cooked
generous dose of hospitality.
in a more traditional oven, have attracted
From updated artwork that highlights As if those upgrades weren’t enough, a cult-like fan base of local New Yorkers,
CEO Chris Newcomb’s family roots to the chain also inked a deal with several tourists and celebrities. Leonardo
the teal mosaic wall that honors the grocers to carry its certified organic DiCaprio has been said to ship Artichoke
chain’s commitment to Ovarian Cancer broth. It’s now in more than 7,000 stores, pies from NYC to his home in Los
Awareness, no detail was too small. including Walmart and Sprouts Farmers Angeles.
Market,
While initially rolled out in Newk’s home In 2019, Artichoke opened three
market of Jackson, Mississippi, the brand “We’ve brought chef-driven, restaurant- franchised locations, signed a location
is renovating and refreshing restaurant quality, natural and organic broth to in Manhattan’s Times Square and inked
locations across all 16 states in the next retail shelves and the response has been a deal with a franchisee to expand the
18 months as it grows into new and amazing,” CEO Eric Ersher said. “Once concept throughout the state of Arizona.
existing communities. the grocery buyers taste the difference
and experience the product’s premium Founders Francis Garcia and Sal Basille
Newk’s Eatery opened 10 units in 2019, taste, they understand the gap our have appeared on nationally syndicated
including its first Virginia restaurants. It offerings fill in the category.” TV shows like The Tonight Show with
plans to open 10 restaurants by year’s Jay Leno, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox &
end with an emphasis on expanding Friends, The Chew, and even starred in
its footprint in SEC college towns, with two of their own series on The Cooking
recent openings in Gainesville, Florida
35. ARTICHOKE Channel: Pizza Masters and Pizza Cuz.
and Athens, Georgia, which included
BASILLE
a partnership with University of Florida Artichoke Basille’s Pizza exploded
Athletics. onto the NYC pizza scene in 2008 36. WHICH WICH
with its authentic New York-style pizza
ever since. The nearly 20-unit chain Coming off of celebrating its 15th
specializes in serving an authentic style anniversary in 2018, Which Wich has
of pizza born and bred from fourth continued to move and shake over
18TOP 75 BRANDS
36. WHICH WICH
allergy-friendly cafe, has seen significant across the U.S. to join it in a deep
growth since it opened in 2011 and cleaning effort.
began franchising in three years later. In
2019, the brand featured a nearly 30% “This is truly a movement to inspire
increase in total gross sales from the confidence in the restaurant industry
year before and a dynamic growth phase as a whole,” Mooyah President Tony
including a combined 40 new locations Darden said.
and signed agreements.
During the outbreak, Mooyah, which has
the past year. In 2019, CEO Jeff Sinelli
With plans to open 15 to 16 locations 76 locations, heightened scrutiny on its
named a new president — Cherry Hearn,
and sell 25 units by the end of 2020, already stringent personal hygiene and
one of the company’s first franchisees
the chain hired David Malinowskias last restaurant sanitation procedures. The
and also the brand’s long-time general
year as COO to oversee franchisee sales stores also quickly moved to packaging
counsel.
and operations, as well as furthering the all food to-go and implemented free
During that transition, Which Wich franchise opportunity for the brand as a delivery with no order minimums.
launched French fries system wide, whole.
By year’s end, the Plano-based Mooyah
named PepsiCo as its exclusive
Since first opening in San Ramon, will have added 14 locations, all of which
beverage provider, gave back with its
California, Vitality Bowls has grown to will feature an updated layout created
11th annual Flag Your Bag campaign
more than 145 cafes now open or in to accommodate for more community-
to support active duty, first responders
development across the country. Its minded seating areas, dedicated third-
and veterans, and continued to benefit
founders, Roy and Tara Gilad, created party delivery pickup and to-go areas,
communities through the Project PB&J
the concept after not finding restaurants closed kitchens and digital menu boards.
program, which is a charitable endeavor
fit for their daughter who had severe The redesign also includes a refreshed
that donates PB&J sandwiches to
food allergies. logo.
people in need.
“This new approach will also align with
The chain isn’t lagging behind when it
our overall strategy to be accessible to
comes to technology, either. Through the
our guests in the manner in which they
use of third- party hardware systems,
want to enjoy their dining experience,”
it’s working toward accepting mobile
Darden said.
payments and is looking to add mobile
kiosks in high-foot traffic areas such as In 2019, the chain rolled out its line
office buildings, manufacturing facilities, of Lifestyle Burgers, which have been
and malls to allow fans to pre-order. added to the full menu alongside a new
Drive-thru kiosks are also in the works. Vegan burger announced earlier this
year.
Which Wich strives to have a positive 38. MOOYAH
impact on the environment through BURGERS, FRIES
conservation efforts and has also built AND SHAKES
within LEED Certification guidelines as 39. IKE’S LOVE &
required on specific projects. To help the restaurant industry adjust SANDWICHES
to the crisis that is COVID-19, Mooyah
Founded by Ike Shehadeh in 2007 in
Burgers, Fries and Shakes did its best to
San Francisco, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
unite the restaurant industry. In March,
37. VITALITY BOWLS it led a Nationwide Restaurant Deep
now has more than 70 locations in
California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and
Vitality Bowls, a superfood concept and Cleaning Event calling on restaurants
19TOP 75 BRANDS
39. IKE’S LOVE & SANDWICHES
Georgia, and also secured real estate
for 12 locations across Georgia, Utah,
New Jersey, Sacramento, Irvine as well
as three corporate locations in Northern
California.
In addition, Curry Up Now inked a
multi-unit franchise deal for Indiana,
with the first location in that market The juice chain, which has more than
Hawaii. With additional locations in
slated to open in mid-2020. The brand, 130 restaurants across 14 states,
development in Chicago, Florida, Utah
which started as a food truck, now has announced in April that it was opening
and California, the chain hopes to end
more than 50 units is varying staging of within several Whole Foods Markets. A
2020 with 100 stores.
development across the country, and few months later, it had inked a deal with
The brand continues to see explosive is adding additional locations in Atlanta BMW and Olo to allow BMW owners
growth as it builds its dedicated, loyal and San Diego. to test in-vehicle ordering via the BMW
following and brings its famous secret Labs website.
In the midst of franchise growth, the
menu and pop culture-inspired sandwich
company is also pursuing corporate “Since day one at Nekter Juice Bar,
selections to customers from coast to
growth of locations that also house its it’s been our mission to make our
coast.
bar concept, Mortar & Pestle, in San menu of fresh and nutritious juices,
The concept offers more than 700 Ramon and near the Stanford University superfood smoothies and acai bowls
sandwiches — including vegan, campus in Palo Alto, California. easily accessible to everyone on their
vegetarian and gluten-free options — individual paths to wellness,” said Steve
Curry Up Now, which is known for
spread with “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce,” Schulze, co-founder and CEO of Nekter
taking traditional Indian offerings
that’s also baked into the bread. Beyond Juice Bar. “Collaborating with innovative
and presenting them in a way that is
the extensive and flavorful menu and forward thinking brands such as
accessible and approachable for the
offerings, Ike’s follows a proven business BMW and Olo will help us expand this
American consumer, plans to finish the
model with low build-out costs, efficient accessibility while also supporting our
year with 20 locations in operation.
labor practices and waste-reducing speed of service initiatives for people on
operational standards that position it for the go.”
rapid franchise development potential.
In November of last year, it hooked up
“Love, appreciation and respect are at with Skin Laundry, a skincare company
the forefront of everything we do at Ike’s providing laser and light therapy
Love & Sandwiches,” Shehadeh said. services. The chain celebrated the
“The happiness and enjoyment of our wellness collaboration with the skincare
customers are the drivers behind Ike’s.” company by giving free hydrating facial
sheet masks with the purchase of any
Nekter Cleanse drink.
40. CURRY UP NOW 41. NEKTER JUICE
BAR
Franchising was Curry Up Now’s major 42. BALANCE PAN-
initiative in 2019. The 11-unit brand From skin care to fast cars, Nekter Juice
Bar has spent the past year exploring
ASIAN GRILLE
opened its first two franchised locations
in Irvine, California, and Decatur, how to leverage industry partnerships. Throughout its 10 year-history, Balance
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